August 6, 2017

One of the special events scheduled during Traer's Winding Stairs Festival will include a formal bench dedication memorializing Don G. Lau, teacher and friend of many.

The Traer High School Class of 1961 invites the community to come celebrate this formal bench dedication on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 1:45 p.m. in front of the gym entrance at North Tama School on 6th Street, Traer.

Generous donations from members of the Traer High School Class of 1961 made this project possible. The fund raising committee consisted of Marcella Podhajsky Pults, Chairman; Gary Burrows, Mary Fleming Shultz and Barbara Kvidera Merchant. They stated, "with the fond memories and his friendship through the years, we wanted to leave a legacy and a gift in his memory to the school and town he loved. It was time for us to honor Mr. Lau for all he had done for us."

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Don Lau and his family moved to Traer in August of 1959. He taught Social Studies, coached for two years and later became the Athletic Director. His philosophy was to see every student succeed. In 1989, he retired from the Traer School District to devote more time to various committees and community work. He served as Traer's mayor and with his wife, Arlene, managed the swimming pool for ten years.

Don, who loved people and animals, was called to his eternal home at age 88 on February 22 of this year. Through his positive influence and sincerity as a teacher, he taught us, "one person can make a difference."

The North Tama School building, where Mr Lau taught for 30 years, will be open for tours given by David Hill, North Tama Superintendent, starting at 2:00 p.m. All those interested in touring the building should meet after the dedication ceremony inside the main entrance.